Bay of Plenty Rugby Union announced three acquisitions and a re-signing for Bay of Plenty Rugby today.

The three new players will bolster the Bay’s backline stocks as the Union looks to replace gaps left by departed players Grant McQuoid, Adrian Cashmore and Alan Bunting.

Twin brothers Ata and Nese Malifa have signed until the end of 2007. The pair have both represented Auckland in Sevens rugby and were also members of the Auckland Under 20 team in 2005. Ata plays in the midfield, while Nese is a utility back capable of playing in the five-eights role or at fullback.

“These boys have enormous talent” said Elite Rugby Manager Craig Morris. “At 20 years old they have played tennis and soccer for Samoa before switching to rugby.  Their potential was identified in the Auckland system and we are going to benefit in the long term from what they can bring to us. It’s not a quick fix for the Bay- we will develop these two into players who can boost areas where we have gaps. Eric Rush was very keen for them to stay up north- so we know their potential and are pleased to give them this opportunity to develop and grow as players”

Also joining the union is specialist center and former Rotorua Boys High School player Cory Aporo.

Aporo was a NZ Secondary Schools rep in 2000, a NZ Under 19 in 2001 and a NZ Colts trialist in 2002-03. His return to the Bay follows a stint in Hawkes Bay in 2004 and Wellington last year, where his pathway to the top squad was blocked by players such as Ma’a Nonu, Tane Tuipouluto, Conrad Smith and Tana Umaga.

Morris is excited about Aporo being back in Blue and Gold. “Cory is one of the better players to have left the Bay in the past 5 years- and we’re thrilled to have him back. Back then, we weren’t set up for player retention and development like we are now and we’ve been trying to entice him back to the Bay for a couple of years now. It’s great to have a specialist center who has worn our colours before (at Secondary School level). He’ll be a great addition to our squad”

Number 8 Colin Bourke has also confirmed his commitment to Bay Rugby until the end of 2007.

Bourke, who missed out on Super 14 selection this year, has been concentrating on Sevens Rugby and was selected for the final NZ Squad trial last month. However, an ankle injury has kept the versatile Bourke sidelined for the moment. Bourke’s recovery is not expected to take too long and he should take his place in the Steamers later in the year, giving the Bay forward pack a similar look to last season, with only Wayne Ormond (Japan) missing from the regular starting eight.

“Colin Bourke is a quality player without doubt” Morris said. “ At only 21 years of age and with two seasons under his belt, Bourkey still has huge potential as Bay Rugby moves forward. He is now a senior player with us and, with the likes of Captain Ben Castle, Bernie Upton, Anthony Tahana and other senior players, will set the benchmark for team performance and team culture. It’s great to have him with us for at least another two seasons”

Bourke’s older brother Marty has also shifted to Bay of Plenty and will join the training squad, having shown potential and been a regular starter for the Waikato B side in 2004 and 2005.